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The Super Eagles striker's move to Galatasaray in Turkey has not gone down with one Chelsea legend; he believes Osimhen followed his wallet, not his heart.
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has expressed disappointment with Victor Osimhen's transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray.
The former Italian striker played for Chelsea from 1996 to 2003, after which no player wore his number 25 shirt until Moisés Caicedo was granted permission by Zola to wear it 20 years later in 2023.
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Zola scored 80 goals (59 in the EPL) and provided 38 assists in 312 matches across all competitions. In 2003, he was voted the club's greatest-ever player by fans, receiving 60% of the vote.
The Italian was appointed assistant first-team coach to Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea but left the club on 4 July 2019 following Frank Lampard's appointment as head coach.
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Osimhen's failed transfer to Chelsea
Speculations were high that Super Eagles striker Osimhen would seal a move to Chelsea; unfortunately, a move did not materialise on deadline day.
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The 25-year-old could not secure a transfer, leaving him stuck with Napoli, where he is not part of Antonio Conte's first team. However, as of September 2024, Osimhen agreed to a season-long loan with Galatasaray.
Zola blasts Osimhen for 'not so good' Galatasaray move
Zola, a former Italian striker, expressed disappointment in Osimhen's transfer saga after negotiations with several clubs failed to yield positive results.
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In an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport, Zola argued that Dybala's decision was a positive example for football fans, while Osimhen's saga was less inspiring.
“One is a nice story, but the other is not so good. Dybala listened to his heart, not his wallet. I don’t want to judge anyone; everyone can make their best decisions. Indeed, Paulo’s history fills the hearts of those who love football,” argued Zola.
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10:53 - 18.06.2024
Soul of the team — Chelsea legend Zola slams Blues' owners for sale of 3 key players
Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has criticised the club’s ownership for selling three players who he described as the “soul of the team.”
Meanwhile, last year Zola spoke lovingly about Osimhen, stressing that the Nigerian striker would do great things at Chelsea.
“I rate him as one of the top strikers around at the moment, for his energy, for his ability to score and also play with the opposition. I’m sure he can be a success in the Premier League as well for sure.
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“Of course the way, you know from what I see with Chelsea I think a player with this quality will do very well.
“He will change a lot of things for Chelsea, positively but I truly believe that it was the right thing to stay again one more year with Napoli,” Zola told Obionepodcast.
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09:37 - 20.05.2024
Gianfranco Zola: Why Moises Caicedo wears Chelsea's iconic number 25 shirt
Moises Caicedo is beginning to look like the player Chelsea splashed out millions of pounds to sign last summer.
The Super Eagles striker is expected to make his debut for Galatasaray when they host Rizespor later today by 6PM Nigerian time.
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